Become A Nurse Just To Be A Crna?

mattsmom81 · Jan 18, 2005

Are there really CRNA schools that take new grads and incorporate the year of ICU 'into the training?' With no regard given to solid nursing background in the real world?? I am amazed if so.

loisane · Jan 18, 2005

Columbia does indeed have a direct entry nurse anesthesia program for non nurses with a bachelors. I have been to their website, those of you who are interested should have a look see for yourselves.

It is very innovative, and (I believe) relatively new. I have encountered knee jerk skepticism from everyone I have told about it. My mind remains open.

We now have a great opportunity to get the straight story from lookingtobecrna, and I look forward to additional details about this program as the poster goes through the process.

loisane crna

lookingtobecrna · Jan 18, 2005

Columbia's Program Is Designed To Allow U To Obtain 1 Year Experience In Critical Care And Become A Crna It Is Continous.

ayndim · Jan 18, 2005

I am not sure how this evolved into a shouting match. I think we all need to keep it respectful.

No one can tell you what to do but I don't think you should disergard the advice of experienced nurses and CRNA's. I am not sure how Columbia's new program works but for nurses with BSN's the average CC experience is 3 -4 years. I wonder how many slots they actually have under the ETP program for NA's. Many nurses don't even feel comfortable in the CC units for a couple of years. I have a degree in Physics and graduated Summa Cum Laude but am would not feel comfortable in a direct entry program. I am choosing to do my ADN first and practice as an RN for a year or so (I am most interesting in CNM). I am waiting to make a choice of what AP role I will practice until I have been through nursing school and see what it is really like in each dept. At the very least I think you might want to shadow a CRNA. What if you hate it? Although it is a well paid job now that may not always be the case, for instance if the market becomes oversaturated. I am not implying that you are choosing it for the money but many are attracted to it for that reason.

You are so young still I am not sure what the rush is. Don't you want to enjoy being young for a while without being on call or working extreme hours? I know at your age I was "doing" Europe and had a blast. I did the nightclubs and partying (I don't mean drugs) and then dragged my butt into work the next am. You won't be able to do that as a CRNA. Just make sure you know what you are wanting. You cannot get back those younger years. Of course if you already have kids that has already ended your social life. :chuckle Even if you are married. Anyway I am glad I enjoyed my younger years. NA school is not going anywhere. Obviously the decision is yours but do think about the other aspects.

We have been through the grammar thing on this board before. Nobody expects perfect grammar or spelling on this board. It is a place for us to relax. Run on sentences and all caps or caps on first letters just make it difficult on the eyes and harder to read.

SmilingBluEyes · Jan 18, 2005

This thread has gotten ugly. Maybe a few people need to review TOS, here before it's locked up. There are a lot of valid contributions here, so I hate to see it happen.

I see nothing wrong with planning a career out, and being a nurse on the way to CRNA, NP, CNM, NNP, etc, is logical progression on the way there. I also agree, however, it pays to treat your mentors and preceptors with respect as they teach you and show you the ropes on your way up. If some of the attitudes I see here are present in your work, you are gonna be in trouble sooner or later!

Remember, those you meet on the way "up" (if you want to think of it that way) you may meet on your downfall or your low times. Treat all you meet with respect as you go, and it will go better for you.

I wish everyone good luck with his/her career plans and progression. It's great to have goals, but don't forget to thank those who have helped you on your way there! Best wishes to each of you.

lookingtobecrna · Jan 18, 2005

thank you for both posts. iam not disregarding nice, experienced rn advice i just do not like to be spoken down to thats all. i agree u should have fun in life but i think iam looking for the well being of my husband and kids as well as my own. i do not wish to wait out years if i can do it sooner just my perogative. u must be very disciplined to obtain a degree in physics good for u. good luck with your chosen route to becoming a crna.

Nurse Ratched, RN · Jan 18, 2005

This thread has gotten ugly. Maybe a few people need to review TOS, here before it's locked up. There are a lot of valid contributions here, so I hate to see it happen.

Thanks, SBE.

Please remember no personal attacks. Moderators will be editing as needed, altho it's our preference that posters do it for themselves.

ayndim · Jan 18, 2005

thank you for both posts. iam not disregarding nice, experienced rn advice i just do not like to be spoken down to thats all. i agree u should have fun in life but i think iam looking for the well being of my husband and kids as well as my own. i do not wish to wait out years if i can do it sooner just my perogative. u must be very disciplined to obtain a degree in physics good for u. good luck with your chosen route to becoming a crna.

thank you. it wasn't easy.

how you do it is up to you. of course, everything changes if you have kids. my hubby and i rarely get to go out so partying isn't an issue. btw, i want to be a nurse-midwife not a crna. but as i said i am keeping my options open. if you don't get in there are many other options for you. such as adn first (you don't usually need a bsn if you already have a bs in a science discipline). do let us know what you find out. i am really curious as to how many spots they have for na.

lookingtobecrna · Jan 18, 2005

Thank you. It wasn't easy.
How you do it is up to you. BTW, I want to be a nurse-midwife not a CRNA. But as I said I am keeping my options open. If you don't get in there are many other options for you. Such as ADN first (you don't usually need a BSN if you already have a BS in a science discipline). Do let us know what you find out. I am really curious as to how many spots they have for NA.

I WILL FIND ALL OF THIS OUT ON FRIDAY. THAT WAS MY INTENTION WHEN I POSTED THE INFO FOR THE PROGRAM. I WOULD BE WILLING TO ASK ANY SPECIFIC QUESTIONS ANYONE HAS ABOUT THE PROGRAM SO THAT EVERYONE CAN BE BETTER INFORMED BUT ALL I GET ARE NEGATIVE DISCOURAGING COMMENTS.

Doug85 · Jan 18, 2005

lookingtobecrna, we'll be looking forward to hearing from you. at least I will. Where exactly is Columbia?

allamericangirl · Jan 18, 2005

I WILL FIND ALL OF THIS OUT ON FRIDAY. THAT WAS MY INTENTION WHEN I POSTED THE INFO FOR THE PROGRAM. I WOULD BE WILLING TO ASK ANY SPECIFIC QUESTIONS ANYONE HAS ABOUT THE PROGRAM SO THAT EVERYONE CAN BE BETTER INFORMED BUT ALL I GET ARE NEGATIVE DISCOURAGING COMMENTS.

I am very sorry if I offended you earlier. I was out of line. Best wishes to you in your education and career.

lookingtobecrna · Jan 18, 2005

lookingtobecrna, we'll be looking forward to hearing from you. at least I will. Where exactly is Columbia?

Its in NYC go to the columbia univrersity website and read up on the program it is called ETP. If u have any further questions pm me i would be glad to ask the director for u.